Principal- Wastewater Leader

GBA; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

GBA is seeking a Principal - Texas Wastewater Leader to provide strategic, technical, and business leadership for our Wastewater Treatment practice across Texas. This executive role drives market growth, strengthens client relationships, and leads high-performing teams, advancing GBA's position as a trusted partner in municipal wastewater infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has a PE license (Texas preferred), 15+ years in wastewater or related water infrastructure, and 5+ years leading leaders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is required.
• Texas PE license or ability to obtain Texas licensure is required.
• 15+ years of progressive wastewater treatment/utility infrastructure experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing leaders, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong background in municipal wastewater systems and related infrastructure.
• Proven track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Excellent communication and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and market growth for GBA's Texas wastewater practice.
• Strengthen client relationships with municipalities, utility districts, and regulators.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership for wastewater projects.
• Drive project delivery with QA, risk management, and governance practices.
• Develop people and organizational capability within the Water Environment practice.
• Oversee business performance and strategic decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Strategic planning

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Principal - Texas Wastewater Leader Location: Austin, TX

Build Your Future with GBA

At GBA, we're more than engineers-we're problem-solvers, collaborators, and innovators. Our people are passionate about delivering high-quality, technically sound solutions that improve the communities where we live, work, and play. We combine deep expertise with a commitment to mentorship, safety, and continuous improvement to create remarkable outcomes for our clients and meaningful growth for our team. We're seeking a Principal - Texas Wastewater Leader to provide strategic, technical, and business leadership for our Wastewater Treatment practice across Texas. This executive-level role is responsible for driving market growth, strengthening client relationships, leading high-performing teams, and advancing GBA's position as a trusted partner in municipal wastewater infrastructure. The ideal candidate is a proven industry leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong business acumen and a passion for developing people and growing client relationships.

What You'll Do

• Lead Strategy and Market Growth
  • Develop and execute strategies to grow GBA's wastewater treatment practice throughout Central Texas and the broader Texas market.
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities, expand service offerings, and strengthen GBA's market position.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to assess market trends, evaluate risks, and drive long-term growth initiatives.
  • Represent GBA as an industry leader through professional organizations, conferences, client engagement, and thought leadership activities.
• Strengthen Client Relationships
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with municipalities, utility districts, regulatory agencies, and industry partners.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and advocate for clients, helping them address infrastructure, regulatory, and growth challenges.
  • Lead client development efforts and support strategic pursuits for major projects and programs.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to position GBA for long-term partnerships and recurring opportunities.
• Drive Technical Excellence and Project Delivery
  • Provide strategic and technical leadership for wastewater treatment and utility infrastructure projects.
  • Guide project teams in delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that meet client objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Support major planning, design, rehabilitation, and infrastructure improvement initiatives.
  • Establish and maintain quality assurance, risk management, and project governance practices.
• Develop People and Organizational Capability
  • Lead, mentor, and develop senior leaders and project teams across the Water Environment practice.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
  • Champion employee growth while maintaining GBA's commitment to exceptional client service and technical excellence.
• Oversee Business Performance
  • Monitor financial performance, resource allocation, profitability, and overall operational effectiveness.
  • Support contract review, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
  • Ensure teams have the resources and support needed to successfully deliver projects and meet business objectives.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Texas PE license or ability to obtain Texas licensure.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in wastewater treatment, utility infrastructure, or related water environment services.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing leaders, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong background in municipal wastewater systems, including treatment facilities, collection systems, lift stations, and utility infrastructure.
• Experience leading complex infrastructure projects from planning and design through implementation.
• Proven track record of business development, market growth, and client relationship management.
• Strong communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Leadership Attributes

• Recognized industry leader with demonstrated involvement in professional organizations, speaking engagements, publications, or other thought leadership activities.
• Ability to influence organizational strategy and business performance through market insight and industry expertise.
• Strong consulting and client advisory skills with the ability to guide complex decisions and build lasting partnerships.
• Passion for mentoring others and developing the next generation of industry leaders.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office, client, and project-site environments.
• Ability to travel up to 50% for client meetings, project visits, industry events, and regional business activities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At GBA, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our Water Environment practice while working alongside highly talented professionals who are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives
• Paid company holidays, floating holidays, and flexible time off
• Opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement

GBA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity in our workforce by including all individuals regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law.